The Diocese of Pensacola Tallahassee celebrated the feast day of St. John of God, patron saint of hospitals and the sick.

Saint John of God's feast day is celebrated on March 8, according to Franciscan Media. John's dedication to caring for the poor and sick attracted followers to his cause. After his death, his followers formed the Brothers Hospitallers to continue his work, according to Franciscan Media.

"Today we celebrate the extraordinary life of St. John of God. Later in his life, he committed himself to serving the sick and poor," the Diocese said in a Facebook post. "After 15 years of faithful service, a heroic act led to the decline of his health – he jumped into a freezing river to save a drowning man. As his health declined, he said, "I have received so many graces from God, and have not recognized them, and have repaid them with so little of my own." He later died in prayer, his face pressed against the figure of Christ. St. John of God, thank you for your service and humility. Pray for us! #PTDiocese #PrayForUs See less."

Saint John of God was born in 1495 in Portugal, according to Britannica. John worked as a shepherd and as a soldier before deciding to dedicate his life to caring for the poor and the sick. He opened a house in Granada in 1537 where he could care for those in need, according to Britannica.

John passed away from pneumonia on March 8, his 55th birthday, after jumping into a river to save a boy from drowning, according to Catholic.org. He is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, the sick, and firefighters, according to Catholic.org.

Founded in 1975, the Diocese of Pensacola Tallahassee covers 18 counties in the State of Florida. There are two centers governed by the bishop at Pensacola and Tallahassee.